Should You Cover Basement Window Wells?

If you own a home with a basement, you’ve probably wondered at some point whether basement window well covers are really necessary. The short answer is: it depends—but in many cases, covering your window wells is not only smart, it may actually be required.

Below, we’ll break down when basement window well covers are legally required, when they’re optional, and why—regardless of local codes—it often makes sense to cover them anyway.

Are Basement Window Well Covers Required by Code?

Whether or not you’re required to install basement window well covers depends heavily on where you live. Building codes and city ordinances vary widely by state, county, and even municipality.

Common Code Scenarios

In many cities and states:

• Some window wells must be covered, not necessarily all

• A common rule is that any window well within 3 feet of a doorway must be covered

• The intent is to prevent someone from stepping out of a door and falling directly into a window well

In other areas:

• There may be no explicit requirement to cover basement window wells at all

• Covers may be recommended but not enforced

Because of this variation, if your only motivation is legal compliance, the best course of action is to check your local city ordinances or building department requirements.

What About Older Homes?

Another important nuance is the age of the home.

• Older homes may be grandfathered in under previous building codes

• Homes built before certain ordinances were enacted may not be required to add covers retroactively

However, it’s increasingly common that:

• New homes are required to have some—or all—window wells covered

• In some jurisdictions, window well covers must be installed before a home sale can close

So legality often depends on where the home is located and when it was built.

Legal Requirements Aside—Why It Almost Always Makes Sense to Cover Window Wells

Even in areas where basement window well covers are not legally required, there are several practical reasons homeowners choose to install them anyway.

1. Improved Safety for Kids, Pets, and Adults

Uncovered window wells pose a serious fall hazard.

• Children playing in the yard can fall in

• Pets may not see the opening

• Adults working around the home can misstep

Covering your window wells removes this risk entirely and creates a safer yard environment.

2. Keeps Debris Out of Your Window Wells

Open window wells naturally collect:

• Leaves and dirt

• Mulch and grass clippings

• Trash and wind-blown debris

• Snow and ice in colder climates

This buildup leads to frequent cleaning and can interfere with egress windows. Window well covers dramatically reduce maintenance.

3. Added Home Security

Basement windows are a common point of entry for intruders.

Basement window well covers:

• Add a physical barrier

• Act as a visual deterrent

• Create an extra step between your home and an intruder

While no single solution guarantees security, window well covers meaningfully reduce risk.

A Simple Way to Protect Your Basement Window Wells

If you’ve decided that covering your window wells makes sense for your home, the next step is choosing a durable, well-designed solution.

👉 View Heavy-Duty Basement Window Well Covershttps://www.feldhawk.com/window-well-covers

High-quality covers are designed to withstand foot traffic, weather, and debris while still allowing light and ventilation into your basement.

Final Thoughts

Whether driven by code requirements or common sense, basement window well covers are one of the most practical upgrades a homeowner can make. They improve safety, reduce maintenance, and add a layer of security—often with minimal installation effort.

If you’re unsure whether your city requires them, start by checking local ordinances. But if your goal is protecting your family, pets, and home, covering your basement window wells is almost always the right choice.